The Knicks, who narrowly missed facing the Celtics in last season’s Eastern Conference Finals, are intensifying their efforts this summer to ascend to that next level. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com, New York is on the verge of finalizing a major trade with Brooklyn, their local rivals.
In this blockbuster deal, the Knicks are set to send four unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027, 2029, 2031), a top-4 protected 2025 Bucks pick, a 2028 pick swap, and a 2025 second-round pick, along with Bojan Bogdanovic, to acquire star forward Mikal Bridges from the Nets.
This move reunites Bridges with several of his former Villanova teammates and bolsters New York’s roster with another versatile wing player, positioning them as formidable contenders in the Eastern Conference under Boston’s shadow this season.
However, the hefty price paid by the Knicks raises questions about whether it can truly challenge Boston in the short term, despite the intriguing long-term implications.
The acquisition includes five first-round picks, including four unprotected, a significant investment for a 27-year-old player like Bridges who has yet to earn an All-Star nod and has just two years left on his contract. While this aggressive move signals New York’s commitment to immediate success, it also limits their flexibility in future trades, potentially benefiting Boston, who has accumulated numerous draft assets.
Bringing Bridges into the fold allows the Knicks to allocate resources elsewhere but leaves their draft assets depleted, save for a couple of late first-round picks in 2024. Future protected first-rounders from the Pistons and Wizards are unlikely to convey before converting into second-round picks by 2026. Moreover, due to the Stepien rule, the Knicks will be unable to deal first-round picks in 2026, 2028, and 2030.
The roster now features guards Brunson, DiVincenzo, and McBride, along with Bridges and potentially Anunoby and Hart on the wings, and Randle, Robinson, and Sims in the frontcourt. However, managing this talent pool presents challenges, especially with impending contract renewals for Randle and Brunson next summer, followed by Bridges in two years. Financial constraints, given ownership’s reluctance to pay luxury taxes, loom large.
In contrast, the Celtics appear poised to retain their core this season, making minor adjustments. While the Knicks may pose a significant threat compared to the Bucks or 76ers, they still lack the star power and depth across the board that Boston boasts, at least for the upcoming season.
Looking ahead, the Celtics face tougher financial decisions in 2025 with Tatum’s escalating contract, and potential repeater tax implications. In contrast, the Knicks aim to solidify their core before stricter CBA restrictions kick in, banking on Boston’s possible financial constraints to emerge as a formidable adversary.
Despite the risks and sacrifices, the Knicks’ strategy hinges on leveraging current assets and future additions to match Boston’s depth and talent. While their aggressive approach may seem excessive for immediate gains, it underscores their ambition to rival the Celtics’ balanced roster. However, whether this gamble pays off in parity with Boston remains to be seen.
